Gambling Commission reveals rise in UK mobile gaming

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has reported that the amount of punters using a mobile phone or tablet to bet increased to 51% in 2017.

This rise was one of several findings in the national regulatory body’s gambling participation and perceptions report for the 12 months to December 31, 2017.

In 2016, 43% of punters had used a mobile or tablet to gamble, with this figure rising 8% in the past year.

The report also found that the amount of people who had gambled online in the past four weeks increased from 17% to 18%.

However, the amount of people who gambled in any form in the past four weeks, including the UK National Lottery, dropped from 48% in 2016 to 45% in the past year.

Just 0.8% of respondents identified themselves as problem gamblers and 3.9% said they were at-risk gamblers, while 6% of punters opted to self-exclude in the past year.

The report also highlighted ongoing trust issues in the industry, with just 33% of respondents believing that gambling is fair and can be trusted, compared to 34% in the previous year.

In addition, 41% think gambling is associated with crime, up from 39% in 2016.

Ben Haden, programme director at the UKGC, said: “Our new three year strategy sets out our role in developing a strong evidence base and improved understanding of the impact gambling has on society.

“Today’s report makes an important contribution to that work as it presents a comprehensive view on how the British public is choosing the gamble and their attitudes to the current market.

“Our research shows the main factor that influences where someone gambles, is a company with a reputation for being fair and trustworthy.

“The message from that is clear – gambling companies that treat their customers well and act responsibly will be at an increasingly competitive advantage.”

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